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Social Skills Training for Children: A Methodological and Clinical Review of Behavior Modification Studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Steven Beck  and
Rex Forehand
Steven Beck
Affiliation:
Ohio State University, University of Georgia
Rex Forehand
Affiliation:
Ohio State University, University of Georgia
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Extract

The purpose of this paper was to review the methodological rigor and clinical implications of behavior modification studies in which social skills have been taught to socially deficient children. Thirty two studies were reviewed. The following four treatment approaches were identified and reviewed: adult contingent attention; peer-mediated strategies; modeling; and treatment packages. The clinical merits and limitation of each approach are discussed. Identification and possible target behaviors for neglected and rejected children are outlined. It appears however that conclusions are not warranted at this time about the relative effectiveness of the four treatment strategies. Research issues such as subject selection and the need to document that skills acquired during training are associated with relevant outcome measures are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future social skills studies are offered.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , January 1984 , pp. 17 - 45
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1984

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